Between 14 and 19 October, Nordic Energy Research will participate in sessions at the Arctic Energy Forum and Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland. A strategic goal for Nordic Energy Research is to have a strong Nordic presence in the Arctic and facilitate international energy cooperation. A crucial step to achieve these goals is developing sustainable energy solutions in the Arctic by working with neighbouring countries in the North. The Arctic Energy Forum and Arctic Circle Assembly offer a unique opportunity to meet stakeholders and engage in energy collaboration in the Arctic.  

Arctic Energy Forum

Location: Akureyri, Iceland 

Dates: 12–16 October. Nordic Energy Research will be on-site on 14–16 October.  

The Arctic Energy Forum gathers leaders, practitioners, and researchers across various disciplines from the Arctic region to discuss solutions and best practices for developing Arctic energy systems that are resilient, economical, and reliable. The forum is facilitated by AE Foundation, Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), and Arctic Portal. Nordic Energy Research will attend two sessions. 

Innovations and Strategies in Energy Development

14 October at 16:30–18:00 

Ditte Stiler, Higher Executive Officer, Nordic Energy Research, will present the Net Zero Island Network and other collaborative projects with Scotland, Irland, and Canada connected to the network. Stiler will also participate in a panel discussion at the end of the session, about innovative best practices and energy development approaches in the Arctic along with:  

  • Emily He, Pembina Institute – Clean energy process in Canada’s remote and Indigenous 
  • Bram Noble, USASK – CASES 
  • Carry Boyd, Pacific North-West National Laboratories 

Hydrogen: Reality or Fiction

15 October at 11:15–11:45  

Ole Aune Ødegård, Adviser, Nordic Energy Research, will present the preliminary results of Nordic Energy Research’s report Mapping Nordic Hydrogen Valleys. He will also attend a panel discussion with James Stevens, Tribal Administrator, Atka tribe – Atka Hydrogen fuel production. They will address ways to deploy hydrogen based on successes and lessons learned in the Arctic that might inform broader hydrogen strategies.  

For more information, please reach out to Ole Aune Ødegård (ole.odegard@nordicenergy.org) and Ditte Stiler, (ditte.stiler@nordicenergy.org). 

Arctic Circle Assembly 

Location: Reykjavik, Iceland 

Dates: 17–19 October 

Arctic Circle Assembly is the largest gathering of Arctic affairs, globally, and is the place for knowledge exchange, discussions, international engagement, and cooperation between Arctic stakeholders. At this year’s assembly, Nordic Energy Research will host two sessions, in the form of panel discussions.  

Explore the Chill – Building Sustainable Energy Futures

17 October at 09:00–09:55 

Location: Rima B, Harpa Ground floor 

Experts from the Nordic countries, Scotland, and Canada will discuss opportunities for the Arctic region to deliver climate-friendly, affordable, and secure energy supplies for its communities while establishing itself as a green energy hub capable of exporting clean energy to other parts of the world. Speakers will reflect on best practice cases and prospects from their countries to upscale the supply of green fuels and create mutual energy security and shared strategic advantage.     

Panellists:  

  • Dr Michael Ross, Industrial Research Chair in Northern Energy Innovation at the YukonU Research Centre, Canada 
  • Dr Daria Shapovalova, Director of Aberdeen University Centre for Energy Law, Scotland, and chair of the Scottish Arctic Network 
  • Annalise Klein, Program Architect, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, USA
  • Klaus Skytte, CEO, Nordic Energy Research 
  • Moderator: Ditte Stiler, Higher Executive Officer, Nordic Energy Research

Nordic Hydrogen Valleys: Opportunities in the Arctic

18 October at 18:20–19:15 

Location: Rima B, Harpa Ground floor 

The session will explore the role of hydrogen as a key energy carrier, focusing on hydrogen valleys and hotspots in the region. The discussion will use the first ever mapping of existing and forthcoming hydrogen value chains in the Nordics, Mapping Nordic Hydrogen Valleys, to discuss the opportunities for decarbonisation. As well as a discussion on the strategies for overcoming these barriers and showcase industry use cases.

Panellists:  

  • Kalistat Lund, Minister for Agriculture, Self-Sufficiency, Energy and Environment, Greenland  
  • Jón Björn Skúlason, General Manager, Iceland New Energy   
  • Erla Sigríður Gestsdóttir, Head of Division and Team Leader for Energy, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate, Iceland
  • Klaus Skytte, CEO, Nordic Energy Research
  • Moderator: Ole Aune Ødegård, Adviser, Nordic Energy Research 

Nordic Energy Research will be on-site in Reykjavík on 17–19 October, represented by Klaus Skytte, CEO, Maria Eklöf, Head of Communications, Ole Aune Ødegård, Adviser, and Ditte Stiler, Higher Executive Officer. They will also be at the Nordic Council of Ministers’ stand, where you can learn more about our work with the sustainable transition of the Arctic.